Rex Ryan backs up OC Brian Schottenheimer

The Jets won&rsquo;t be the one to axe offensive coordinator Brian
Schottenheimer, the whipping boy of an offense that finished the year
25th in the league.

The Jets won’t be the one to axe offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, the whipping boy of an offense that finished the year 25th in the league. But while the Jets remain committed to their embattled coordinator, he may not be with them much longer.

Yesterday afternoon general manager Mike Tannenbaum confirmed reports that Schottenheimer interviewed for the head coaching position in Jacksonville. Head coach Rex Ryan, who broke down in tears during a team meeting yesterday morning, estimated it was “50-50” whether Schottenheimer would leave for the open position with the Jaguars.

“We do expect Brian Schottenheimer back. He’s been with us now six years and we really respect the job he’s done with three different quarterbacks, two championship games,” Tannenbaum said. “He’s done an incredible job for us.”

Chants of “Fire Schotty” became commonplace during Jets games, especially as the offense struggled despite its star power.

He only received lukewarm endorsements from the players on offense and fans rejoiced when offensive consultant Tom Moore took a more active role with the offense over the course of the season’s final five weeks.

Moore’s increased role and visibility with the team was seen as proof that Schottenheimer was going to be shown the door by season’s end. Ryan sounded like someone resigned to losing his coordinator, or perhaps hopeful that it will happen.

“He has everything it takes to be a successful head coach in the league. It starts with the pedigree, but more importantly, here’s a guy who has been successful, knows how to develop players. We’ve gone to back-to-back AFC Championship Games,” Ryan said. “A lot of that is due to his work ethic.

“We signed Brian to a contract extension,” Ryan said. “We know the kind of work ethic he has. He’s smart; he’s a football guy.”